Since its creation in 2003, ETSI
TISPAN (Telecommunications and Internet converged Services and Protocols
for Advanced Networking) has been the key standardization body in
creating the Next Generation Networks (NGN) specifications.
NGN Release 1 was finalized in December
2005, provided the robust and open standards that industry required for
the development, testing and implementation of the first generation of
NGN systems. NGN Release 1 specifications adopt the 3GPP IMS (IP
Multimedia Subsystem) standard for SIP-based applications, but also add
further functional blocks and subsystems to handle non-SIP applications.
Initially TISPAN worked on harmonizing the IMS core for both wireless
and wireline networks. However in early 2008, the common IMS
specifications were transferred back to 3GPP so that one unique
standards organization be responsible for providing a Common IMS fitting
any network (fixed, 3GPP, CDMA2000, etc.).
NGN Release 2 was finalized early 2008, and
added key element to the NGN such as IMS and non IMS based IPTV, Home
Networks and devices, as well as NGN interconnect with Corporate
Networks. TISPAN IPTV specifications answer the emerging market needs
such as triple-play and quadruple-play service offers: access
independent solutions, integration in a multi-service environment,
availability of enhanced services combining features from every
component of the triple/quadruple-play offers.
TISPAN defines two IPTV solutions: an IPTV
dedicated subsystem focused on the integration of existing market
solutions in an NGN environment; and an IMS-based IPTV solution allowing
blending the TV services with other Telecommunication services (e.g.
voice, presence, and data services).
In the highly dynamic domain of Home Networks, TISPAN is actively
defining the service requirements and capabilities for customer’s home
networks to be connected to the NGN. This includes the definition of the
Customer Network Gateway Architecture and reference points, and Customer
Devices architecture and Reference Points.
To further enhance the IPTV support by the NGN, TISPAN defines the
architecture and reference points of a customer network device for IMS
based IPTV services. Despite the enormous progress made on the NGN
support of new IP enables services, TISPAN is moving forward with making
specification to ensure the NGN is an implemented success.
Since early 2008, TISPAN has begun work on the third release of NGN
specifications and are now presently looking at IPTV enhancements, IP
network interconnection, NGN security enhancements, and QoS with
overload control amongst other permanently evolving NGN requirements.

Structure

TISPAN
Structure

TISPAN is the ETSI
core competence centre for fixed networks and their migration to Next
Generation Networks.